Security tightened at Islamabad judicial complex ahead of Imran Khan’s arrival

Containers are placed around the complex.
Section 144 enforced in the federal capital.
PTI chief will appear in Tosha Khana case.

ISLAMABAD: Before the arrival of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan at the Islamabad Judicial Complex in the Tosha Khana case, tight security was kept in the area to ensure law and order and avoid any untoward situation. has gone happened last month.

Following the PTI’s insistence that Khan’s life was in danger and he needed security, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Nurul Amin Mengal moved the hearing from F-8 Court Complex to G-11 Judicial Complex as a “temporary arrangement”. transferred as

When Khan arrived at the judicial complex last month, security arrangements were disrupted as PTI workers removed all barricades during the appearance of their party chief in various courts. On this occasion, some workers vandalized the building and damaged the dignity of the courts.

Khan will appear before Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal in the case after the former prime minister issued a non-bailable arrest warrant as he repeatedly refused to appear with his lawyer citing “security risks”.

When the Islamabad police went to Lahore on March 14 to arrest Khan as per court orders, they faced resistance that resulted in the injury of more than 60 policemen from Islamabad and Punjab, while the PTI Several workers were also injured.

Khan’s legal team scrambled and sought relief from the sessions court, but the judge remarked that his orders were in accordance with the law and the PTI chief should surrender himself to the authorities.

But the Islamabad High Court (IHC) earlier today barred police from arresting the ousted prime minister in the Tosha Khana case – despite Khan resisting arrest for days.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Islamabad Police spokesperson said that Section 144 (prohibition of public gatherings and display of weapons) has been imposed in the federal capital.

The spokesman said that private companies, security guards and individuals have been prohibited from carrying weapons, while citizens have been asked to carry necessary documents including car ownership while travelling.

For the traffic plan, the police asked the citizens to avoid unnecessary travel from sector G-11/1 and G-10/1, the spokesperson added that the citizens should also cooperate with the police during checking.

To ensure security, the police have also placed containers around the judicial complex.

What is Tosha Khana case?

Under the rules governing the “toshakhana” – a Persian word meaning “treasure chest” – government officials can keep gifts if they are of little value, while they can be given dramatically to the government for extravagant items. But you have to pay less fee.

The toshkhana has been under the microscope ever since allegations surfaced that Imran Khan bought gifts as prime minister at wholesale prices and sold them in the open market for huge profits.

In October last year, the former prime minister was barred from holding public office after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) found him guilty of illegally selling gifts to foreign dignitaries and heads of state.

The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of abusing his prime ministership from 2018 to 2022 by buying and selling state-owned gifts received during overseas trips worth 140 million rupees ($635,000). ) was greater than

Among the gifts were watches given by a royal family, according to government officials, who had previously alleged that Khan’s aides had sold them in Dubai.

The gifts included seven wristwatches, six made by watchmaker Rolex, and the most expensive was a “Mastergraph Limited Edition” worth 85 million Pakistani rupees ($385,000).

The Election Commission’s order said that Imran Khan is disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution.

Following the order, the election watchdog approached the Islamabad sessions court seeking criminal proceedings against him – and the PTI chief missed several hearings.